Kathy Barlow, SW Regional Coordinator and Career Practitioner

Before joining JSW on 13/12/2010, I trained as a Counsellor and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with clients, hearing their stories, and helping them problem-solve in ways that worked for them.

My career at JSW began in Reception. But being curious, adaptive, and keen to play a proactive part in changing lives, I soon moved into HR and then into Training. When I realised that helping people build greater career resilience and competitiveness and understand their accomplishments and skills was my idea of fulfilling work, the skills I learned by transitioning into different roles at JSW proved priceless.

As the Regional Coordinator, I lead a team of six staff working across seven offices. I specialise in supporting redundant workers to navigate their way into new careers. Sometimes this means upskilling. Other times, it’s as simple as developing confidence and transferring existing skills to a different setting.

Like everyone on my like-minded team of dedicated difference makers, I work one-on-one with injured workers, long and short-term unemployed people, current students and school leavers, newly arrived immigrants, and clients within the adult justice service.

I coordinate the delivery of all workshops and one-to-one client appointments. I also absolutely love delivering career development workshops and promoting the life-changing work we do at Career Expos and multicultural and community events across the region.

Outside of my day job, I’m on the Native Forrest Transition Team, a committee member for the Bunbury Headspace Consortium, a participant in the SW Employment Skills and Participation Round Table and an active supporter of the Career Development Association Australia (CDAA). Spending time in nature and hanging out with my grandbabies are my two favourite ways to unwind.

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate Career Development Practice
Certificate IV Employment Services
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Diploma in Business
Accidental Counsellor
Employment Transition for people with disability
Keys for Life